The TEFL Times

By Chris Soames

Courses, courses, everywhere!

Today, if you searched for a TEFL course, you would be faced with a bewildering array of choices. Many companies advertise a variety of TEFL courses: online courses, weekend courses, a combination of online and weekend, not to mention the 4-week intensive courses held in local and exotic locations around the world. In fact, search for too long on the Internet and you can be forgiven for feeling like a small child that’s stumbled upon Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory!

Think carefully about the type of course you choose…

Before committing yourself financially to a course of any kind, you’ll need to consider your options carefully. Factors such as the country you want to teach English abroad in, how far you wish to pursue a TEFL teaching career, the financial resources you have at your disposal, time, and preference of study, will all influence your final decision. If you want to teach for a year or less in an exotic location, you may not need the full 4-week course; a weekend certificate could be enough. So do some research: email or ring up local language schools or ask on Internet forums!

I’m broke, and I’ve already booked my plane ticket!

If time or money is an issue, or you just want an inkling of what TEFL teaching involves, then weekend courses are a good option, and do not tax the pocket too heavily. Starting at around £200, these courses offer a taster of the full TEFL course, and cover the main core skills you’ll need as a TEFL teacher.

The TEFL tutors on these courses are experienced teachers, and should be able to answer most questions or concerns you may have. Weekend courses are around 20 hrs long, and provide a valuable forum for gaining and sharing ideas, and you may find, they give a much-needed boost to your confidence.

Don’t chance the cowboys!

Be careful; there are cowboy operations, so whichever course you choose, make sure it is independently accredited or the certificate you receive at the end of the course may not be worth the paper it’s written on. I would advise sticking to established companies, as these offer good support and are well organised. Weekend courses are held at least once a month in most cities all over the UK, so you’ll have no problems booking a course near you.

Home study, or tutor?

If you’re self-motivated and prefer studying in the privacy of your own home, then online courses are an efficient and inexpensive way of brushing up on your grammar. Online courses can be completed in your own time, cover theoretical aspects of English teaching, and help you to master the intricacies of English grammar. However, I guarantee you will learn much more from a TEFL tutor, and if this is your first foray into teaching TEFL, I recommend an online course as an ‘extra’, rather than a sole method of study. Contact with an online tutor can’t compare to the immediacy and interaction of a real ‘live’ qualified tutor.

But will I get a job at the end of the course?

Worried about financial security? Then consider studying with a company that guarantees you a job on successful completion of their course. These courses usually combine a weekend with an online study program, and the companies offer support and help in finding accommodation, relieving you of some of the stress of moving to a new country.

What about TESOL/CELTA qualification or ‘equivalent’?

You may have seen jobs online or in the newspaper requiring these qualifications as a minimum. The Trinity TESOL, and the Cambridge CELTA, are the two ’standard’ internationally recognised qualifications, and are usually taken as a 4-week intensive course, although it is possible to do the course part-time over three months. These courses will set you back at least £900; so if you are cash-strapped check first whether you’ll require this qualification. Be aware that some organisations such as the British Council, and certain countries require these qualifications as a minimum, plus a first degree to boot. There are ‘equivalent’ accredited courses of around 120 hours, but you should make sure these are accepted by language schools in the country you intend to teach in.

A long-term investment

If you intend to spend a few years abroad, then the weightier courses are often a worthwhile investment. Having one of these qualifications looks impressive on your cv, and coupled with a year’s experience teaching, you will be viewed by potential employers, as a good candidate.

Where can I do these courses?

There are Cambridge and Trinity approved centres in many towns and cities across the UK, and worldwide. The ‘equivalent’ accredited courses are often cheaper, and some private companies run good quality courses. If you are undecided whether or not it is worth taking this qualification, or do not have the time or money, consider taking this qualification abroad when you are already teaching. There are approved CELTA and TESOL centres in most major cities across Europe; also in India, Russia, Thailand, Japan, and China.